Dodgers name McGwire hitting coach

Los Angeles, CA (Sports Network) - Former single-season home run record holder
Mark McGwire became the Los Angeles Dodgers' hitting coach Wednesday after
serving the past three years in the same capacity with the St. Louis
Cardinals.

The 49-year-old McGwire, who became the first player to hit 70 homers in a
season while with the Cardinals in 1998 but ultimately had his accomplishments
tainted by revelations of steroid use, was named St. Louis' hitting coach by
former manager Tony La Russa prior to the 2010 campaign.

Under McGwire's direction, the Cardinals led the National League in batting
average (.273) and runs scored (762) during their run to the 2011 World Series
title. St. Louis finished second in both categories while reaching the NLCS
this past season.

"Mark has been able to translate his success as a big league hitter into his
work as hitting coach with the Cardinals," Dodgers general manager Ned
Colletti said. "He earned the respect of both veterans and young players while
in St. Louis and the offensive numbers the Cardinals produced under his
tutelage speak for themselves. We're excited to have him join our coaching
staff and anticipate great things from his work with our hitters in 2013 and
beyond."

McGwire turned down the Cardinals' offer of a contract extension to become a
member of Don Mattingly's staff in Los Angeles. McGwire and his family reside
in Orange County, CA.